Grain Free Mexican Wedding Cookies

Try this Grain Free Mexican Wedding Cookies recipe, or contribute your own.

Grain Free Mexican Wedding Cookies
Grain Free Mexican Wedding Cookies

Try this Grain Free Mexican Wedding Cookies recipe, or contribute your own.

  • Preparing Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Served Person: 3
  • Carbohydrate 82.7809338888889 g
  • Cholesterol 0 mg
  • Fat 0.0188477777777778 g
  • Fiber 0.841472199969822 g
  • Protein 0.177941666666667 g
  • Saturated Fat 0.00472111111111111 g
  • Serving Size 1 1 dozen (169g)
  • Sodium 0.935777777777778 mg
  • Sugar 81.9394616889191 g
  • Trans Fat 0.00654111111111111 g
  • Calories 334 calories

Step-by-step

  • Preheat the oven to 350F degrees.
  • On a large sheet pan, place the chopped nuts, and toast, stirring occasionally, for about 5-8 minutes, or just until you start to smell their aroma released.
  • Set aside to cool, and turn off oven.
  • Once cool, grind further in the food processor (you want fairly fine bits, not chunks). Don't over-process and make it oily or powdery.
  • Dump out into a small bowl and set aside.
  • Now place the butter, salt, ½ cup powdered sugar, and vanilla extract into the food processor and process (scrapping down the sides as needed) until smooth and fluffy.
  • Add the nuts back in and process until combined.
  • Now add the two flours and process once more.
  • If you have a small food processor that can't handle all of the ingredients, simply scrap out the butter/sugar mixture into a bowl, and hand mix the flours into it.
  • Now place in the refrigerator for 30 minutes at least, or until the dough has firmed up enough to be able to roll into balls (You may find it necessary to leave for up to 2 hours, depending on how cold your refrigerator is).
  • Once ready, preheat the oven again to 350F, and use a teaspoon to scoop out batter and roll lightly into balls, and place on a parchment covered sheet about 1-inch apart (there will be some spreading).
  • Baking one sheet at a time (placing dough back into the fridge between batches), bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to brown.
  • Remove from oven and allow to cool on sheet for about ten minutes to firm before removing to cool rack.
  • Repeat rolling/baking/cooling process until all of the cookies are cooked.
  • Using a sieve, lightly dust the cookies with powdered sugar, if desired, for that snowy sweet look.

Grain-Free Mexican Wedding Cookies: A Delightful Treat for Any Occasion

As a busy working mom, finding time for baking is a luxury. But when the craving for something sweet hits, and I want something that feels special, these Grain-Free Mexican Wedding Cookies are my go-to recipe. They're surprisingly easy to make, even on a hectic weeknight, and the result is a batch of melt-in-your-mouth cookies that impress everyone – from my picky eaters to unexpected guests.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. The base is a delightful blend of almond flour and tapioca flour, creating a texture that’s both delicate and satisfying. The addition of toasted nuts – I prefer almonds, but pecans or walnuts work beautifully too – adds a wonderful crunch and aroma that fills the kitchen with the promise of deliciousness. The subtle sweetness from powdered sugar, perfectly balanced with a hint of vanilla, makes them utterly irresistible. There’s a satisfying richness to these cookies that comes from the butter, but because they’re grain-free, they feel lighter and less heavy than traditional shortbread cookies.

What makes these cookies truly special is their versatility. They're perfect for holiday gatherings, making them an easy addition to your festive baking repertoire. Their elegant presentation, a simple dusting of powdered sugar resembling freshly fallen snow, makes them ideal for gifting. I often bake a double batch, gifting some to neighbors and colleagues while savoring the rest with my family. The process is therapeutic too; the simple act of rolling the dough into perfect little balls is surprisingly calming after a long day.

I’ve discovered that the key to success with these cookies is to chill the dough thoroughly. This allows the flavors to meld, and most importantly, prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. Don't rush this step; the patience yields perfectly shaped, elegant cookies. And while the recipe calls for a specific type of flour, you can experiment slightly with other gluten-free flour blends, adjusting the amount as needed to achieve the right consistency.

Beyond the holidays, these cookies are a fantastic treat for any occasion. A quiet evening at home, a spontaneous get-together with friends, or even a simple reward for a hard day's work – these grain-free Mexican wedding cookies are always a welcome addition. They're easily adaptable to dietary needs, perfect for those avoiding gluten or grains. The process is straightforward, even for novice bakers, and the results are consistently stunning.

So, next time you crave a delicious, elegant, and surprisingly easy-to-make cookie, give these Grain-Free Mexican Wedding Cookies a try. You'll be amazed at how much flavor and joy can be packed into such a small, delicate package. And remember, the little things – a perfectly baked cookie, a warm kitchen filled with the aroma of toasted nuts – are what make life a little sweeter.

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup finely ground almond flour
  • 1 cup coarsely chopped almonds (or pecans or walnuts)
  • 1/2 pound (2 sticks) room temperature butter
  • 1/2 cup organic powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons gluten-free vanilla extract
  • 1 1/4 cup tapioca flour
  • Extra powdered sugar for dusting

Tips for Success:

  • Toast the nuts for a deeper flavor.
  • Chill the dough thoroughly for optimal results.
  • Bake one sheet at a time to ensure even baking.
  • Let the cookies cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar.